The small wooden fish tug A.S. Piper was built in Milwaukee in 1880 and was owned by Captain John Walker. Valued at $3,000.00 and insured for $2,000.00.
The "fish tug" was the most common commercial fishing vessel at the time.

The tug A.S. Piper caught fire at port on Tuesday evening October 14, 1890. She was lying at the upper mill wharf, Sturgeon Bay; Reynold's dock, the crew having gone ashore. When they returned they found the craft engulfed in flames. The tug Mosher happened to be nearby and promptly pulled the burning vessel away from the wharf. The A.S. Piper subsequently drifted ashore and became a total loss.
The fire originated around the boiler. Because the hold was full of slabs, nothing could be done to subdue the flames when help arrived.

A historical account stated, "Captain John Walker, who owned the craft, values her at $3,000 after having refused an offer of $2,700 for the Piper last spring."

"Owners of the tug Piper have been engaged for a week or more in getting out the boiler and engine of the burned craft. The former has been raised and placed on terra firma" DCA Saturday 2/28/1891

Today

The A.S. Piper could still be found sunken at the head of Sturgeon Bay near the channel, as of April 1904.